4 plans for Sitkowski unveiled; Selectmen to get recommendations from committee reviewing proposals.

Byline: Jim Esslinger

WEBSTER - The future of the A.J. Sitkowski School could be decided a week from today when selectmen are presented the recommendations from a review committee studying proposals from four developers.

Committee members are preparing a report outlining the proposals received in January, according to Selectman Deborah Keefe, a member of the committee. The report, which will appear on selectmen's agenda next Monday, includes the panel's recommendations for transforming the former school building, which was closed more than two years ago.

The proposals came from Neighbors Organized for Affordable Housing, a nonprofit community development corporation in Belle Glade, Fla.; Stratford Capital Group of Peabody; Arch Street Development of Needham, and Shamrock Development Associates of Quincy.

While all of the proposals envision residential use for the building, they vary in the number of units proposed, the target market, and even in the bidding price for the property. Two of the developers are proposing a mix of residential and commercial use.

NOAH specializes in housing for low- and moderate-income families and seniors. It proposed converting the school into 60 one- and two-bedroom apartments, while also serving as the new home for the Webster Senior Center on School Street. NOAH has offered $150,000 for the building and surrounding property.

Shamrock Development offered the town $875,000 to convert the building into 71 residential and 12 commercial units, saying its analysis concluded the apartments "coupled with some supportive services and commercial space could create a new community" downtown.

Stratford Capital said it would convert the school into 60 studio and one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which would go to people with incomes below 60 percent of the median income in the area. Ten percent of the apartments would be set aside for people with extremely low incomes. The firm put in a bid of $850,000.

The highest bidder, at $1.14 million, Arch Street proposed creating 37 low-income apartments, while setting aside 4,300 square feet for commercial use. There would be nine one-bedroom, 22 two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments for rent.

Renovation costs are estimated to be $12 million to $17 million.

Whoever is chosen will also face asbestos removal and other cleanup costs, which could go as high as $1 million.

All the developers are proposing "green" buildings, as well as maintaining the historic integrity of the structure.

Developers were asked to take into account parking and landscaping issues, as well as a proposal for separating the school from Town Hall. The town would maintain the use of the auditorium.

The town's request for proposals required a minimum bid of $10,000 for the building and surrounding property, or $5,000 for the building alone, with the possibility of coming to some sort of leasing arrangement. The town is not obligated to accept the highest bid, according to Carol Cyr, Webster community development director.

ART: PHOTO

PHOTOG: T&G File Photo/DAN GOULD

CUTLINE: Renovation costs for the Anthony J. Sitkowski School are estimated to be $12 million to $17 million.